Germany Prokofiev, War and Peace: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Bayerische Staatsoper / Vladimir Jurowski (conductor). Nationaltheater, Munich, 5.3.2023. (ALL)
This was a dangerous new manufacturing: War and Peace is a monumental opera written in 1942 that incorporates purely Stalinist propaganda texts, begging the query: is it even applicable to carry out at the moment? With tensions operating excessive in Ukraine, it’s tough to disregard the unsettling parallels between the opera’s textual content and present occasions.
Vladimir Jurowski, Dmitri Tcherniakov and Serge Dorny made a concerted effort to deal with considerations about their manufacturing’s relevance. Dorny insisted on a various solid that includes artists from each Ukraine and Russia, whereas Jurowski defined that sure components had been revised to replicate trendy sensibilities. Notably, the scene the place Kutuzov orders the burning of Moscow has been eliminated, and the beforehand triumphant finale has been reimagined by a grotesque wind band. The premiere of the manufacturing on 5 March, seventy years after the demise of Prokofiev and Stalin, was undoubtedly a deliberate nod to historical past.
The manufacturing’s most putting side is its deliberate distancing impact. Both components of the opera unfolded in a single setting, the Column Hall of the Moscow House of Trade Unions, the place Lenin, Stalin, and Brezhnev’s stays have been on show, and the place Kutuzov will ultimately be part of them. From the outset, Tcherniakov fills the stage with refugees, amongst whom the protagonists emerge. It is a daring transfer that transports the viewers out of the period of Napoleon’s wars and into our personal time. The first half introduces us to a Russian the Aristocracy that each one appears to mix collectively, however the route of the actors is delicate and devoted to the depth of the characters. Prince Andrei’s awkwardness, his emotional waltz with Natasha, the complexity of his discussions with Pierre Bezukhov, and the anomaly surrounding his spouse’s arrival on the ball are all deftly dealt with. Familiarity with Tolstoy’s novel is key to completely recognize the intricacy of the staging.
The second a part of the manufacturing is much more spectacular than the primary. The act begins with a putting theatrical second because the refrain emerges from the darkness. The scene that includes Napoleon is remodeled right into a farcical parody, designed to amuse and recapture the spirit of Tolstoy’s authentic work. At this second, it’s onerous to not replicate on how at the moment’s Russian authorities controls the media and narrative, obscuring the fact of what’s described as a ‘special operation’ from the Russian individuals. Nevertheless, the struggle scenes, Prince Andrei’s demise, and Kutuzov’s inspiring speech are all grippingly staged.
Despite the sheer dimension of the solid, the Bavarian State Opera’s performers are excellent, as is often the case. It is tough to single out particular person singers, however some actually shine. Olga Kulchynska brings a refreshing vitality to her portrayal of Natasha, whereas Andrei Zhilikhovsky exudes authority as Prince Andrei. Arsen Soghomonyan delivers a deeply affecting efficiency as Peter, and Victoria Karkacheva’s voice is just lovely as Hélène. Tómas Tómasson was a surprising Napoleon, vocally and theatrically. All smaller roles have been properly solid, and it was particular to have veterans akin to Sergei Leiferkus and Violetta Urmana included. Sincere apologies to all these I wouldn’t have house to say. The complete solid was excellent.
The choral singing was actually exceptional, boasting each energy and color. Vladimir Jurowski led the orchestra with nice ability, leading to a vivid, tender, and trendy sound. The conductor’s familiarity with the corridor and its assets was evident within the spectacular high quality of the musicians’ efficiency.
The viewers’s reception was enthusiastic, and even Dmitri Tcherniakov appeared stunned by the extent of acclaim, suggesting that such a response could also be uncommon for him. If you will have the chance, come to Munich (however you may watch the efficiency on Arte.television). Much just like the acclaimed manufacturing of Shostakovich’s The Nose which kicked off the Dorny-Jurowski period, this can be a masterful fusion of present occasions and inventive expression, leading to a very distinctive expertise.
Antoine Lévy-Leboyer
Production:
Staging and Stage design – Dmitri Tcherniakov
Costumes – Elena Zaytseva
Lighting design – Gleb Filshtinsky
Assistant Choreographer– Ran Arthur Braun
Conceptual collaboration – Analena Weres
Dramaturgy – Malte Krasting
Chorus director – David Cavelius
Cast:
Prince Andrei Bolkonsky – Andrei Zhilikhovsky
Natasha Rostova – Olga Kulchynska
Sonja – Alexandra Yangel
Host of the New Year’s Eve Ball – Kevin Conners
Lackey of the New Year’s Eve Ball – Alexander Fedin
Marya Dmitriyevna Akhrosimova – Violeta Urmana
Peronskaya – Olga Guryakova
Count Ilya Andreyevich Rostov – Mischa Schelomianski
Count Pierre Besukhov – Arsen Soghomonyan
Countess Hélène Besuchova – Victoria Karkacheva
Anatole Kuragin – Bekhzod Davronov
Lieutenant Dolokhov – Alexei Botnarciuc
An previous lackey of the Bolkonskys – Christian Rieger
Parlour maid of the Bolkonskys – Emily Sierra
Valet of the Bolkonskys – Martin Snell
Princess Marya Bolkonskaya – Christina Bock
Prince Nikolai Andreyevich Bolkonsky – Sergei Leiferkus
Balaga – Alexander Roslavets
Matryosha – Oksana Volkova
Dunyasha – Elmira Karakhanova
Gavrila – Roman Chabaranok
Métivier – Stanislav Kuflyuk
French Abbé – Maxim Paster
Denisov – Dmitry Cheblykov
Tikhon Shtcherbatov – Nikita Volkov
Fyodor – Alexander Fedorov
Matveyev – Sergei Leiferkus
Vassilissa – Xenia Vyaznikova
Trischka -Soloist(s) of the Tölzer Knabenchor
Mikhail I. Kutuzov – Dmitry Ulyanov
Kaysarov – Alexander Fedin
1st Staff Officer – Liam Bonthrone
2nd Staff Officer – Csaba Sándor
Napoleon – Tómas Tómasson
Adjutant to General Compans – Alexander Fedorov
Adjutant Murats – Alexandra Yangel
Marshal Bertier – Stanislav Kuflyuk
General Belliard – Bálint Szabó
Adjutant to Prince Eugène – Granite Musliu
Voice behind the scenes – Aleksey Kursanov
Adjutant from Napoleon’s entourage – Thomas Mole
De Beausset – Kevin Conners
Captain Ramballe – Alexander Vassiliev
Lieutenant Bonnet – Aleksey Kursanov
Captain Jacqueau – Csaba Sándor
Gérard – Liam Bonthrone
A younger manufacturing unit employee – Granite Musliu
Shopkeeper – Olga Guryakova
Mavra Kuzminichna – Xenia Vyaznikova
Ivanov – Alexander Fedorov
Marshal Davout – Bálint Szabó
A French officer – Andrew Hamilton
Plato Karataev – Mikhail Gubsky
Two Fools of God – Kevin Conners, Christian Rieger
Two French actresses – Jasmin Delfs, Jessica Niles